We use cookies to collect and analyse information on site performance and usage, and to enhance and
customise content and advertisements. By clicking "OK" or by clicking into any content on this site, you
agree to allow cookies to be placed. To find out more visit the cookies section of our
privacy policy.

World Bowling submit application to be included in Tokyo 2020 Olympics

World Bowling have launched their bid to be included in the Tokyo 2020 Olympic programme after officially submitting their application to be considered for inclusion as an additional event.

Having been invited to apply by Tokyo 2020, along with 33 others sports, World Bowling have submitted an application which they believe highlights the universality of bowling and have focused particularly on its appeal to Japanese fans.

As part of the application, the National Bowling Federation of Japan and the Japan Bowling Congress collected a list of nearly one million signatures to be submitted with the document to highlight national support for the sports inclusion.

Signatures were collected at bowling centres across the country, with the JBC vowing to continue to display support for the application by accumulating even greater amount of names ahead of the final decision by Tokyo 2020 in September.

“World Bowling is delighted to have the opportunity to apply for the Additional Event Programme for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games,” said Kevin Dornberger, World Bowling President.

“Bowling is truly a global game and will offer a high level of fan engagement to the event.

“Japan boasts a huge bowling community and we have their support behind us as we enter this pursuit.

“This is bowling’s time.”

World Bowling believe their application displays that bowling’s broad accessibility and high levels of participation, with the sport able to attract people from various backgrounds and a variety of age groups.

The governing body hope should their bid prove successful the Tokyo 2020 Olympics would help to spread the sport into new regions and reach various demographics.

Tokyo 2020's Additional Event Programme Panel will identify one or more events to be proposed to the International Olympic Committee for the Olympic Games in Japan's capital city, with the proposals set to be submitted by September 30.

The final decision, which will take into account factors such as appealing to youth while engaging both Japanese and worldwide audiences, is due to be made in August 2016 at the 129th IOC Session in Rio.

Baseball and softball are considered as one of the favourites to be included at the Games.

Timeline

About the author

Since joining insidethegames.biz in 2015, Michael Pavitt has covered a variety of international multi-sport events, including the Baku 2015 European Games, the Toronto 2015 Pan American Games, Sapporo 2017 Asian Winter Games and Taipei 2017 Summer Universiade. He also reported on the UCI Presidential election in Bergen in 2017, as well as attending the IOC Session in Lima and three ANOC General Assemblies.

inside the photos

Fact of the day

At the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens, Iranian judoka Arash Miresmaeili was disqualified for weighing in at nearly four pounds above the limit for his weight class of his under-66 kilograms match against an Israeli opponent Ehud Vaks in the first round. It was claimed Miresmaeili had gone on an eating binge to protest the International Olympic Committee's recognition of the state of Israel. Iran does not recognise the state of Israel, and Miresmaeili's actions won praise from high-ranking Iranian officials. Mohammad Khatami, the country's President at the time, was quoted as saying Miresmaili's actions would be "recorded in the history of Iranian glories". He was later awarded $125,000 by the Government - the same amount given to Olympic gold medallists.

Featured Job

Unite the Game and Inspire the Nation through Winning England Teams. The Football Association (The FA) is the governing body of football in England. We are responsible for promoting and developing the game at all levels; from grassroots through to the professional game, The FA Cup and the England International teams, and our two core assets: Wembley Stadium and St. George's Park. As England Women's Senior Head Coach you will be expected to build a winning England Women's Senior Team, which respects and lives the philosophy and values of The FA.